Last call from the Desert: Martin Perez and the Intrasquad

“He’s good good crazy stuff. He’s got real good stuff. If he can pitch the way he’s pitching, he’s got some of the best stuff I’ve ever caught.”

Perez is trying to add a cut fastball to his arsenal. Perez already has an excellent changeup that dives down and away to right-handed hitters. A cut fastball thrown inside and moving in on right-handed hitters can keep them from leaning outside on the changeup.

— Other items from an intrasquad game that ended in a 4-4 tie between teams managed by Steve Buechele and Tim Bogar.

Neftali Feliz gave up two runs on three hits, including a home run to Brett Nicholas. Said pitching coach Mike Maddux: “It can be better. He threw a couple of decent changeups but the changeup plays off the fastball. We’ve got to get the fastball up to speed.”

Neal Cotts gave up three runs on a three-run double to Leonys Martin – lefty vs. lefty – but the bases were loaded with the help of a couple infield hits.

Kevin Kouzmanoff started at first base. He been a third baseman his entire career but being able to play first base would add to his versatility.

Nomar Manzara, Lewis Brinson and Joey Gallo were a combined 3-for-4 as reserves.

Shin-Soo Choo got hit by a pitch in his first plate appearance. He led the Majors getting hit with 26 pitches last season.

Jose Contreras hit Choo and walked two batters in his inning of work. He threw 20 pitches and the inning was called with the bases loaded and two outs.

Matt West needed just seven pitches in his scoreless inning of work. He pitched in just one inning last year while recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery.

Luis Sardinas had the only two-hit game of the day.

He said it

“I was feeling good about it before I got there and this reaffirmed that nothing is going on. I’m going to ease back in. I took a week off so I’m not going to throw a bullpen tomorrow.”

Matt Harrison, back in camp after getting a clean bill of health on his back from Dr. Drew Dossett.

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